ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF THE LUMBAR AND SACRAL LIGAMENTS

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than a million American workers suffer back injuries in a year, and that they account for about 20% of total work-related injuries. Back pain can be debilitating for many people, and even when it's just a nuisance, it can significantly impact their fundamental quality of life. Massage can often be a helpful tool in the recovery and rehabilitation process, but, unfortunately, it is also quite common for clients to receive massage that has a minimal impact on the source of their pain and discomfort.

One of the elements commonly missing when working with back injuries is a better understanding of, and ability to specifically palpate, the terrain of the low back and sacrum, particularly connective tissue structures like the various supporting ligaments. These ligaments are every bit as important as the muscles, bones, and fascia, but are often overlooked by massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

In this class, you will learn to palpate and treat some of the most commonly injured ligaments in the low back and pelvis, including the iliolumbar, intertransverse, sacroiliac, sacrotuberous, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments, as well as a few key postural muscles. Clients notice the difference right away when they feel you touch the "right spots", and their chronic pain and tension begins to dissolve from the inside out.

"I found this class extremely informative; it's something my own body needed, and I hadn't been able to pinpoint it." -Sabrina Barrera

"This class was taught by experienced instructors who had really thought through the progression of the class--the content made sense and flowed well, lending itself to really retaining the knowledge." -Meredith Condon

"Brian's teachings are intelligent, precise and effective. After receiving the work yesterday, my back feels more fluid and happy, and during the treatment, I went to that deep place of relaxation where drool happens." -Jen Elden

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

Date and Time: Sunday, January 12th, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $180 for Sunday’s Lumbosacral Ligaments class. Take both Saturday’s Torso and Sunday’s Ligaments classes for only $320.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center.

Reviewers Discount: If you have previously taken this class, you may review it at a 25% discount on tuition. The reviewer's price for this class is $135. If you are eligible for the reviewer's discount, please call Robbin at 206.853.6875 to register as the website only offers classes at the regular price.

To register for Sunday only, click here.

To register for both Saturday’s Torso class, and Sunday’s Low Back Ligaments class, click here.

Regarding masking: We have moved to a hybrid version of the masking policy—there are different masking requirements for the lecture and non-lecture portions of class.

Lecture: During the opening portion of class, and during the two lectures, masking is optional, and each person can choose to wear a mask or not.

Technique: Masking is required during the non-lecture portion of class when you are doing technique or watching a demo. Please bring a surgical mask or N95 mask -- choose what option works best for you, and consider bringing two masks.

ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF THE LUMBAR AND SACRAL LIGAMENTS

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than a million American workers suffer back injuries in a year, and that they account for about 20% of total work-related injuries. Back pain can be debilitating for many people, and even when it's just a nuisance, it can significantly impact their fundamental quality of life. Massage can often be a helpful tool in the recovery and rehabilitation process, but, unfortunately, it is also quite common for clients to receive massage that has a minimal impact on the source of their pain and discomfort.

One of the elements commonly missing when working with back injuries is a better understanding of, and ability to specifically palpate, the terrain of the low back and sacrum, particularly connective tissue structures like the various supporting ligaments. These ligaments are every bit as important as the muscles, bones, and fascia, but are often overlooked by massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

In this class, you will learn to palpate and treat some of the most commonly injured ligaments in the low back and pelvis, including the iliolumbar, intertransverse, sacroiliac, sacrotuberous, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments, as well as a few key postural muscles. Clients notice the difference right away when they feel you touch the "right spots", and their chronic pain and tension begins to dissolve from the inside out.

"I found this class extremely informative; it's something my own body needed, and I hadn't been able to pinpoint it." -Sabrina Barrera, WA

"This class was taught by experienced instructors who had really thought through the progression of the class--the content made sense and flowed well, lending itself to really retaining the knowledge." -Meredith Condon, Alaska

"Brian's teachings are intelligent, precise and effective. After receiving the work yesterday, my back feels more fluid and happy, and during the treatment, I went to that deep place of relaxation where drool happens." -Jen Elden, Montana

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

Date and Time: Sunday, September 8th, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $190 for either one-day option if registered by August 20th; $220 thereafter.

$350 for the two-day option if registered by August 20th with a $200 non-refundable deposit; $380 thereafter.

Reviewer’s Discount: If you are a reviewer of either DT Torso and Tx Back Ligaments, you may register for the two-day option for only $300, if registered by August 20th.

ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF THE LUMBAR AND SACRAL LIGAMENTS

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than a million American workers suffer back injuries in a year, and that they account for about 20% of total work-related injuries. Back pain can be debilitating for many people, and even when it's just a nuisance, it can significantly impact their fundamental quality of life. Massage can often be a helpful tool in the recovery and rehabilitation process, but, unfortunately, it is also quite common for clients to receive massage that has a minimal impact on the source of their pain and discomfort.

One of the elements commonly missing when working with back injuries is a better understanding of, and ability to specifically palpate, the terrain of the low back and sacrum, particularly connective tissue structures like the various supporting ligaments. These ligaments are every bit as important as the muscles, bones, and fascia, but are often overlooked by massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

In this class, you will learn to palpate and treat some of the most commonly injured ligaments in the low back and pelvis, including the iliolumbar, intertransverse, sacroiliac, sacrotuberous, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments, as well as a few key postural muscles. Clients notice the difference right away when they feel you touch the "right spots", and their chronic pain and tension begins to dissolve from the inside out.

"I found this class extremely informative; it's something my own body needed, and I hadn't been able to pinpoint it." -Sabrina Barrera

"This class was taught by experienced instructors who had really thought through the progression of the class--the content made sense and flowed well, lending itself to really retaining the knowledge." -Meredith Condon

"Brian's teachings are intelligent, precise and effective. After receiving the work yesterday, my back feels more fluid and happy, and during the treatment, I went to that deep place of relaxation where drool happens." -Jen Elden

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

Date and Time: Sunday, July 21st, 10am-7pm

Tuition: $180 for Sunday’s Lumbosacral Ligaments class. Take both Saturday’s Torso and Sunday’s Ligaments classes for only $320.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center.

Reviewers Discount: If you have previously taken this class, you may review it at a 30% discount on tuition. The reviewer's price for this class is $126. If you are eligible for the reviewer's discount, please call Robbin at 206.853.6875 to register as the website only offers classes at the regular price.

To register for Sunday only, click here.

To register for both Saturday’s Torso class, and Sunday’s Low Back Ligaments class, click here.

Regarding masking: We have moved to a hybrid version of the masking policy—there are different masking requirements for the lecture and non-lecture portions of class.

Lecture: During the opening portion of class, and during the two lectures, masking is optional, and each person can choose to wear a mask or not.

Technique: Masking is required during the non-lecture portion of class when you are doing technique or watching a demo. Please bring a surgical mask or N95 mask -- choose what option works best for you, and consider bringing two masks.

Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has stunning views, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, and a unique culture that is both traditional and modern. Iceland has over 120 geothermal hydrotherapy facilities spread across a diverse and beautiful landscape.

ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF THE LUMBAR AND SACRAL LIGAMENTS (Reykjavik, IS)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than a million American workers suffer back injuries in a year, and that they account for about 20% of total work-related injuries. Back pain can be debilitating for many people, and even when it's just a nuisance, it can significantly impact their fundamental quality of life. Massage can often be a helpful tool in the recovery and rehabilitation process, but, unfortunately, it is also quite common for clients to receive massage that has a minimal impact on the source of their pain and discomfort.

One of the elements commonly missing when working with back injuries is a better understanding of, and ability to specifically palpate, the terrain of the low back and sacrum, particularly connective tissue structures like the various supporting ligaments. These ligaments are every bit as important as the muscles, bones, and fascia, but are often overlooked by massage therapists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

In this class, you will learn to palpate and treat some of the most commonly injured ligaments in the low back and pelvis, including the iliolumbar, intertransverse, sacroiliac, sacrotuberous, supraspinous, and interspinous ligaments, as well as a few key postural muscles. Clients notice the difference right away when they feel you touch the "right spots", and their chronic pain and tension begins to dissolve from the inside out.

"I found this class extremely informative; it's something my own body needed, and I hadn't been able to pinpoint it." -Sabrina Barrera

"This class was taught by experienced instructors who had really thought through the progression of the class--the content made sense and flowed well, lending itself to really retaining the knowledge." -Meredith Condon

"Brian's teachings are intelligent, precise and effective. After receiving the work yesterday, my back feels more fluid and happy, and during the treatment, I went to that deep place of relaxation where drool happens." -Jen Elden

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time:  Sunday, May 12, 9:30am-6:00pm. The class will be held at Nuddskoli, which is about 4 blocks from Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s best municipal geothermal pool complex.

Tuition & Registration: 25.000ISK (~$180USD), with a $100USD (~$14.000ISK) non-refundable deposit.

Take both the Saturday Visceral class, and the Sunday Lumbosacral Ligament class for the discounted rate of 43.000ISK/$310USD if you are registered with a $200USD (~28.000ISK) non-refundable deposit by April 30th, 2024.

Current Nuddskoli students also receive a tuition discount; contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik for details.

Questions: If you have questions, you can contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik at nudd@nuddskoli.is, or contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.

Please note that you are responsible for your own travel and lodging arrangements for your stay in Reykjavik.

CTM / Bindegewebsmassage

Bindegewebsmassage, or Connective Tissue Massage (CTM), is a precise and elegant way to work with the body's dermatomes and autonomic reflexes to induce corresponding autonomic changes in specific organs. The technique was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke, and is widely practiced there, although it is less known in the United States. Bindegewebsmassage is quite powerful, although it can appear subtle at first.

Starting with the sacrum, specific cutaneous zones are stroked with a dragging pressure in a precise and orchestrated way that can "trick" the body into responding as if specific organs or organ systems are being massaged. In response, the target organ vasodilates and its smooth muscles tissue relaxes. Bindegewebsmassage is quite effective for treating menstrual cramps, eliminating or reducing symptoms over 90% of the time. It can also be helpful with reducing the symptoms of migraines, asthma, and intestinal cramping. In addition, CTM can subtly affect the fascial layers (especially adhesions in the subcutaneous layer), increasing range of motion and flexibility, and reducing pain or tingling from tightened tissue. Bindegewebsmassage typically has a calming effect, and can be used for general parasympathetic relaxation as well.

A handful of clinical trials have shown CTM-style manipulation has beneficial effects in pain reduction, reduced depression, improved quality-of-life, and moderate short-term increases of beta-endorphins (pain-relieving neurotransmitters). These trials add to anecdotal observations from clinicians that CTM often causes "virtually immediate relief in visceral or myofascial pain as well as general relaxation" (Prendergast & Rommer, 2013).

In this class, you will learn the "basic build-up", which primarily focuses on the sacral and pelvic areas and their corresponding target organs, and the "first and second followups", which focus on the back and ribcage.

Click here for an article Brian wrote about Bindegewebsmassage for MNZ in New Zealand.

"That the viscero-cutaneous reflex interconnection is reversible, that is to say, that it not only leads from the internal organs to the skin, but vice versa, is a long-established fact. One of the most elegant and fundamental systems, which conforms almost flawlessly to the workings of the segmental reflexes, is connective tissue massage as prescribed by Dicke." - Hans Schliack, MD (German neurologist).

"It's fantastic to have new tools to treat migraines and menstrual pain, and give ease to an often 'stuck' area". - Rachael Brown

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)

Date and Time: Monday, May 22, 10am-6:30pm
Tuition: $175 with a non-refundable $100 deposit.

Masking: Please note that face masks are requested and recommended for the ‘practice’ section of class, due to the proximity of the practitioner and the client.

Questions: Contact Teresa at Day Spa Academy in Yakima at 509-574-8492 or teresa.cook@live.com. Contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.

Iceland is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has stunning views, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, and a unique culture that is both traditional and modern. Iceland has over 120 geothermal hydrotherapy facilities spread across a diverse and beautiful landscape.

CTM / Bindegewebsmassage

Bindegewebsmassage, or Connective Tissue Massage (CTM), is a precise and elegant way to work with the body's dermatomes and autonomic reflexes to induce corresponding autonomic changes in specific organs. The technique was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke, and is widely practiced there, although it is less known in the United States. Bindegewebsmassage is quite powerful, although it can appear subtle at first.

Starting with the sacrum, specific cutaneous zones are stroked with a dragging pressure in a precise and orchestrated way that can "trick" the body into responding as if specific organs or organ systems are being massaged. In response, the target organ vasodilates and its smooth muscles tissue relaxes. Bindegewebsmassage is quite effective for treating menstrual cramps, eliminating or reducing symptoms over 90% of the time. It can also be helpful with reducing the symptoms of migraines, asthma, and intestinal cramping. In addition, CTM can subtly affect the fascial layers (especially adhesions in the subcutaneous layer), increasing range of motion and flexibility, and reducing pain or tingling from tightened tissue. Bindegewebsmassage typically has a calming effect, and can be used for general parasympathetic relaxation as well.

A handful of clinical trials have shown CTM-style manipulation has beneficial effects in pain reduction, reduced depression, improved quality-of-life, and moderate short-term increases of beta-endorphins (pain-relieving neurotransmitters). These trials add to anecdotal observations from clinicians that CTM often causes "virtually immediate relief in visceral or myofascial pain as well as general relaxation" (Prendergast & Rommer, 2013).

In this class, you will learn the "basic build-up", which primarily focuses on the sacral and pelvic areas and their corresponding target organs, and the "first and second followups", which focus on the back and ribcage.

Click here for an article Brian wrote about Bindegewebsmassage for MNZ in New Zealand.

"That the viscero-cutaneous reflex interconnection is reversible, that is to say, that it not only leads from the internal organs to the skin, but vice versa, is a long-established fact. One of the most elegant and fundamental systems, which conforms almost flawlessly to the workings of the segmental reflexes, is connective tissue massage as prescribed by Dicke." - Hans Schliack, MD (German neurologist).

"It's fantastic to have new tools to treat migraines and menstrual pain, and give ease to an often 'stuck' area". - Rachael Brown

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Date and Time: Saturday, April 29, 9:00am-6:00pm and Sunday, April 30, 9:30am-6:00pm. The class will be held at Nuddskoli, which is about 4 blocks from Laugardalslaug, Reykjavik’s best geothermal pool complex.

Tuition & Registration: 25.000ISK ($175USD), with a $100USD ($15.000ISK) non-refundable deposit.

Take both MSDT Techniques for Chest, Anterior Shoulder Girdle, Arms and Hands on Saturday, April 29th and CTM/Bindegewebsmassage on Sunday, April 30th for the discounted rate of 43.000ISK/$300USD if you are registered with a $100USD non-refundable deposit by 10 April, 2023.

Current Nuddskoli students also receive a tuition discount; contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik for details.

Questions: If you have questions, you can contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik at nudd@nuddskoli.is, or contact Brian in Seattle at info@pnwschool.com.

Please note that you are responsible for your own travel and lodging arrangements for your stay in Reykjavik.

Online Registration Closed ~ Spaces Still Available: To register please contact Finnbogi in Reykjavik at nudd@nuddskoli.is

CTM / Bindegewebsmassage

Bindegewebsmassage, or Connective Tissue Massage (CTM), is a precise and elegant way to work with the body's dermatomes and autonomic reflexes to induce corresponding autonomic changes in specific organs. The technique was developed in Germany by Elizabeth Dicke, and is widely practiced there, although it is less known in the United States. Bindegewebsmassage is quite powerful, although it can appear subtle at first.

Starting with the sacrum, specific cutaneous zones are stroked with a dragging pressure in a precise and orchestrated way that can "trick" the body into responding as if specific organs or organ systems are being massaged. In response, the target organ vasodilates and its smooth muscles tissue relaxes. Bindegewebsmassage is quite effective for treating menstrual cramps, eliminating or reducing symptoms over 90% of the time. It can also be helpful with reducing the symptoms of migraines, asthma, and intestinal cramping. In addition, CTM can subtly affect the fascial layers (especially adhesions in the subcutaneous layer), increasing range of motion and flexibility, and reducing pain or tingling from tightened tissue. Bindegewebsmassage typically has a calming effect, and can be used for general parasympathetic relaxation as well.

A handful of clinical trials have shown CTM-style manipulation has beneficial effects in pain reduction, reduced depression, improved quality-of-life, and moderate short-term increases of beta-endorphins (pain-relieving neurotransmitters). These trials add to anecdotal observations from clinicians that CTM often causes "virtually immediate relief in visceral or myofascial pain as well as general relaxation" (Prendergast & Rommer, 2013).

In this class, you will learn the "basic build-up", which primarily focuses on the sacral and pelvic areas and their corresponding target organs, and the "first and second followups", which focus on the back and ribcage.

Click here for an article Brian wrote about Bindegewebsmassage for MNZ in New Zealand.

"That the viscero-cutaneous reflex interconnection is reversible, that is to say, that it not only leads from the internal organs to the skin, but vice versa, is a long-established fact. One of the most elegant and fundamental systems, which conforms almost flawlessly to the workings of the segmental reflexes, is connective tissue massage as prescribed by Dicke." - Hans Schliack, MD (German neurologist).

"It's fantastic to have new tools to treat migraines and menstrual pain, and give ease to an often 'stuck' area". - Rachael Brown

Instructor: Brian Utting
CE hours: 8 (NCBTMB-approved for CE credit)
Tuition: $175.

Registration: This class is sponsored by the Therapeutic Training Center. Click here to register.

Please note that due TTC infection control protocols, students will be required to submit proof of vaccination or a negative PCR Covid test. Students will be required to wear masks during class; either a surgical mask or one of the 94’s or 95’s. We recommend surgical masks, since they are easier to wear face-down.